Q&A: George McCaskey on Urlacher’s departure

Bears chairman George McCaskey spoke to a handful of reporters Tuesday at the Ed Block Courage Award luncheon at Maryville Academy. Here’s the Q&A: On his critique of the offseason: “We’re very excited to have Marc Trestman here. He’s a dynamic personality, really a take charge guy. I’m very impressed to see the leadership skills

Bears chairman George McCaskey spoke to a handful of reporters Tuesday at the Ed Block Courage Award luncheon at Maryville Academy. Here’s the Q&A:

On his critique of the offseason: “We’re very excited to have Marc Trestman here. He’s a dynamic personality, really a take charge guy. I’m very impressed to see the leadership skills that he’s exhibited. And today’s the first day of voluntary workouts so he gets to get his hands on the players as he says.”

On all the one-year deals for the Bears and what it means in the NFL: “There’s been all sorts of speculation this free agency period about maybe the climate is changing a little bit, looking more for value instead of making a big splash. But I think we did a little bit of both, a little splash and a little bit of value-seeking.”

On if the Bears reached out to Brian Urlacher: “Yeah. I talked to him. He was very gracious. I wanted to wait a little bit because I figured there would be a little emotion. But Brian knows how we feel about him. He’s one of the all-time great Bears. He’s continued the outstanding linebacker legacy of the Bears. He’s going to be in the Hall of Fame, and when he is, everyone is going to think of him as a Chicago Bear.”

On some of Urlacher’s comments about not wanting to return for a jersey retirement and so on: “I didn’t hear anything along any of those lines from Brian.”

On if there’s any scenario in which Urlacher returns: “That’s up to the market and [general manager Phil Emery] and Marc. Phil said it’s a process, and we just go through it and see what happens.”

On him not exactly saying “No”: “That’s not up to me. Bears fans should be assured that I don’t involve myself in personnel decisions.”

On negotiations breaking down with Urlacher: “I said going into the process that I’d be heartbroken if he didn’t come back and I am — our whole family is. Brian has been the face of the franchise, an outstanding Bear on and off the field. But we knew it was a possibility going into it that it might be this result, and that’s the way it turned out.”

On any more “splashes” coming: “Phil and [chief negotiator Cliff Stein] are managing the cap and it’s up to them in conjuncture with Marc to see who is still out there and what our needs are.”

On if the stage is set for Jay Cutler to become the face of the franchise: “Well, I don’t know if that’s a designation, but that’s something somebody either works into or doesn’t. So we’ll see. We’ve got a lot of leaders on our team — Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Robbie Gould, Matt Forte, Roberto Garza. We’ve got a good group of guys.”

On if he’s had contact with players like Briggs and Tillman who were close to Urlacher: “No. … I try to leave them alone generally anyway, but especially in the offseason.”

On if defensive tackle Israel Idonije will be returning: “That’s up to Izzy and his agent (Drew Rosenhaus) and Phil, Marc and Cliff.”

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George McCaskey on Brian Urlacher: ‘Brian knows how we feel about him’